Vancouver

Skiing & Snowboarding

Skiing (Canadian Tourism Commission photo)

Vancouver is one of the world’s few major cities that doubles as a true winter sport mecca.

Vancouver’s three ski mountains – Cypress, Grouse and Seymour – are part of the North Shore mountains, which are visible from the downtown and are approximately a 30-minute drive away. The city hosted the world's best skiers and snowboarders during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Each of the ski hills offers something different, but all three share a few key perks: great value, ample night-skiing/boarding opportunities, and tremendous views of the city below. Combine these mountains with Vancouver’s famous arts, entertainment and dining scenes, and it’s easy to see why this is a great city for winter activities.

Cypress, Vancouver’s Olympic Freestyle Venue

With more than 50 runs and 243ha/600ac of skiable terrain, it’s no surprise that Cypress Mountain is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Cypress is the largest of Vancouver’s local ski hills, and the only one that served as an official venue for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Ski Minutes from Downtown Vancouver

Take the scenic aerial tramway to the top of Grouse Mountain – a must-do for any visitor – and from there explore around two dozen runs, half of which are lit for night-skiing. Off the slopes, enjoy dinner with a view at a mountaintop restaurant or go for a skate on Grouse’s outdoor ice rink.

Family-Friendly Mount Seymour

Widely regarded as the most family-friendly of Vancouver’s local mountains, Mount Seymour’s varied terrain features great views of Vancouver and surrounding peaks. With four terrain parks and nearly 40 runs, Seymour is a great destination for a day or evening of skiing or snowboarding.

Vancouver Ski and Snowboard Season

Skiing and snowboarding on the North Shore mountains typically runs from December to April, though the length of the season may vary depending on conditions.

Getting to the Ski Hills

Cypress, Grouse and Seymour are less than an hour by car from downtown Vancouver.

Visitors can also take public transit to the base of Grouse Mountain, where an aerial tram runs to the mountain-top ski area. During the ski season, privately run shuttle buses offer service from various locations to Cypress and Seymour.

Rentals and Other Winter Activities

All three local mountains offer ski rentals and lessons for all ages and abilities. Snowshoeing trails are available at all three mountains, and Cypress has a vast network of cross-country ski trails.

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Cypress Mountain is 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver & proud to continue to provide our skiers, riders & sliders with the most vertical drop, most terrain, most lifts & some of the best snow conditions on the highest skiing & riding peak of Vancouver's North Shore Mountains. With some of the best skiing & riding in Vancouver, one of Canada's most popular cross-country skiing areas, a huge snow-tubing park & unique snowshoeing tours, Cypress truly offers something for everyone.

There is lots to do in the summer too! Whether you are looking to enjoy the sunny weather with a rugged hike or a quiet afternoon exploring the trails, Cypress Mountain has a variety of summer activities to offer. See our website for information on geocaching, disc golf, wildlife viewing & more.

Just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain's Super Skyride whisks you to some of the best in local skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing & ice skating. With 26 runs - 15 open for night skiing - the latest in lift technology & one of the most extensive snow-making systems around, Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver's favourite winter playgrounds. Situated 1120 metres (3,700 feet) above the city of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain's restaurants showcase some of the best of BC from fine dining at The Observatory to après in Altitudes Bistro to outdoor BBQs at Rusty Rail patio.

Other businesses with Skiing & Snowboarding

Located 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain's Super Skyride whisks you high above the city to a mountaintop of adventure including hiking trails, ziplining, helicopter tours, paragliding, live entertainment, lumberjack shows, a wildlife refuge, The Eye of the Wind - Vancouver's iconic wind turbine & much more. In winter, enjoy snowshoeing, outdoor mountaintop ice skating, sleigh rides & some of the best in local skiing & snowboarding. Ideally situated overlooking the city, Grouse Mountain's restaurants showcase some of the best of BC, from fine dining at The Observatory to flavourful après in Altitudes Bistro.

Irie Adventure Tours specializes in guiding hiking and ski trips. Offering 2 signature guided trips: The West Coast Trail (summer) and The RCR Trifecta (winter); Irie Adventure Tours is your #1 choice for any of your adventure needs across the province of BC. Irie Adventure Tours can also create custom trips and charter transportation to suit the needs of any small group, family or company .

With offices located in both Vancouver and Kimberley, Irie Adventure Tours offers top of the line vehicles as well as fully certified, experienced and knowledgeable guides to show you all the activities, sights and beauty that BC has to offer.